Black in the Age of Obama: Things Have Not Gotten Better
December 8, 2009 by blackgirlgrown
Filed under obama, race
Image Photo by Anthony Baker
Some say things have gotten worse. But, the belief that President Obama’s election was going to turn the page on race relations, rekindle a renewed sense of purpose in black men, inspire personal responsibility, stop kids from getting killed in senseless street violence, and have world leaders singing Kumbaya was overly simplistic and exaggerated to begin with.
It’s not as if I blame the President for not solving all of these social ills. It’s that I never expected him to do so in the first place.
And much of this is not in his job description.
But a campaign centered on hope has created a harsh reality for those who believed Obama would “teach the world to sing, in perfect harmony.”
New York Times columnist Charles M. Blow remarks on the impact of Obama presidency on black America one year in:
So far, it’s been mixed. Blacks are living a tale of two Americas — one of the ascension of the first black president with the cultural capital that accrues; the other of a collapsing quality of life and amplified racial tensions, while supporting a president who is loath to even acknowledge their pain, let alone commiserate in it.
To be sure, Blow recites the usual – though no less depressing- economic and social data on the plight of black America: high foreclosure rates, higher unemployment, and less food security.
Even still, black Americans have incredible pride and hope in our new President and continue to give him above 90 percent approval ratings.
Do you think this will ever change?
Of note, Blow also reviews the year in black men transgressions in the public space. Get your fill here.
